Grand Traverse Light facts for kids
| Location | Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 45°13′N 85°33′W / 45.21°N 85.55°W |
| Year first constructed | 1852 |
| Year first lit | 1852 |
| Automated | 1972 |
| Foundation | Dressed stone and timber |
| Construction | Brick, wood, and iron |
| Tower shape | Nine-sided on roof of dwelling/Flemish revival |
| Markings / pattern | Red w/black trim |
| Height | 41 feet (12 m) |
| Focal height | 47 feet (14 m) |
| Original lens | Fifth order Fresnel lens (original), DCB 24 Aerobeacon (current) |
| Range | 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) |
The Grand Traverse Light is a famous lighthouse in Michigan, a state in the United States. It stands at the very end of the Leelanau Peninsula. This peninsula acts like a natural wall, separating Lake Michigan from Grand Traverse Bay. The lighthouse helps ships navigate the Manitou passage, which is where Lake Michigan flows into Grand Traverse Bay. The lighthouse you see today was built in 1858. It replaced an older, round tower that was built in 1852. You can find this lighthouse inside Leelanau State Park, about 8 miles north of a small town called Northport. This area is popular with tourists, especially in the summer.
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History of Grand Traverse Light
Some people call this lighthouse "Cat's Head Point Light." Others know it as Northport Light, named after the nearby town of Northport.
Building the First Lighthouse
The idea for the first lighthouse here came from President Millard Fillmore in July 1850. A brick tower with a separate house for the lighthouse keeper was built. This first lighthouse was located a bit east of where the current one stands, in what is now the state park campground.
However, the first house and tower were not strong enough. Because of this, they were taken down in 1858. That same year, the lighthouse you can visit today was built. You can still see parts of the first lighthouse's foundation. Its original tower spot was found again in 1999.
Recognizing the Lighthouse's Importance
The 1858 lighthouse is very important. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special place that is protected because of its history. It was added to this list on July 19, 1984. The lighthouse is also on Michigan's own historical list since 1991.
Inside the lighthouse keeper's house, you can see a special lens. It is a Fourth Order Fresnel lens from the Alpena, Michigan lighthouse. A state historical marker was put up in 1993 to tell visitors about the lighthouse's history.
Visiting the Lighthouse Today
Today, you can explore the Grand Traverse Light. It has been restored to look like a keeper's home from the 1920s and 1930s. Inside, you will find exhibits about other lighthouses in the area. There are also displays about foghorns, shipwrecks, and local history. These exhibits are in the Lighthouse and Fog Signal Building.
You can even hear the restored air diaphone foghorn demonstrated. Visitors can climb the tower for amazing views of Lake Michigan. The beaches nearby are rocky but fun to explore. The lighthouse is located within Leelanau State Park. To enter the park, you need to pay a fee or have a Michigan Recreation Passport. There is a separate fee to go inside the lighthouse itself.
